Apparatus for treating articles with fluid



G. KUHN APPARATUS FOR TREATING ARTICLES WITH FLUID Aug. 29, 1939.

Filed June 4, 1935 INVENTOR, George lav/M1 Patented Aug. 29, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT mm, it

APPARATUS FOR TREATING. ARTICLES WITH FLUID George Kulin, Takoma Park, Md. Application June 4, 1935, Serial No. 24,828

12 Claims.

This invention relates to the treatment of articles with fluids.

The invention provides a novel method of and I novel apparatus for, washing, dishwashing, dry cleaning, dyeing, impregnating and otherwise treating articles including all fabrics without in- '\lposen and agitate the articles in the intervals between the suction periods. Thus a combination of intermittent unidirectional flow with a reciprocating motion of the fluid is produced, the two motions being superimposed and merged together. While the reciprocating component of this fluid motion loosens the dirt in the fabrics, the unidirectional component, applied intermittently, produces positive suction," withdrawing the loosened and dissolved dirt from the mesh of the fabric and each time replacing the fluid in the fabric with a new quantity of fluid.

In the periods of suction the fabrics are drawn against a grill or a perforated surface by suction and are compressed and squeezed purely by hydraulic action, as no mechanical parts ever come in contact with the articles undergoing treatment. Thus, in spite of efficient and forceful action used, no injury can be caused to the frailest of fabrics.v

The treating fluid is forced through constricted openings, such as slots or perforations, in the form of a plurality ofjets or in a continuous sheet and is projected with comparatively great force into contact with the articles being treated, and this projected fluid is caused to sweep. different portions of the articles being treated to'thereby obtain maximum treating effect.

Apparatus embodying the invention is characterized by extreme simplicity, ready acessibility to the portion thereof wherein the articles to be treated are disposed without the necessity for disturbing any part of the operating mechanism, maximum possible rate of circulation of the treating fluid at all speeds of the operating mechanism, and safety features which prevent stalling of the machine through overloading and prevent operation of the machine except when it is in complete readiness for operation.

65 Other steps, characteristics, and features of the method and apparatus of the present invention will be perceived from the following description considered in connectionwith the accompanying drawing forming a part thereof, which illustrates preferred embodiments of the 5 invention.

In the drawing:

Fig. -1 is a vertical sectional view of a machine for treating fluids which embodies the invention;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 2--2- of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a detail in section, on an enlarged scale, of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is' an enlarged perspective view of another detail of the machine;

Fig. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view showing another form of treating fluid circulating means; and

Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a further form of treating fluid .20 .circulating means.

Like characters of reference designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawing, reference character I0 designates the casing of the machine which 25 in this instance is substantially rectangular in configuration but may be of any other suitable m configuration, if desired. The casing is formed from sheet metal and has a bottom H which also serves to support the mechanism for operating 30 the machine and a cover I! which will be described hereinafter in more detail. A treatin fluid container ll of cylindrical configuration having its lower end closed by an upwardly arched bottom H and having its upper end open, 5:5 is disposed in the upper portion of the casing ll with the cylindrical walls of the container preferably spaced from the walls of the casing. The upper portion of the container i3 is suitably connected or attached to the upper portion of 40 the casing Ill, and is supported at its lower portion by means of supporting rods l5 which extend between the bottoms of the casing and container respectively. The upper portion of the container I3 is formed to provide a. shoulder l6 5 to support a compartment II which receives and holds the articles to be treated. As shown, the compartment or baslret I1 is of cylindrical configuration with an upwardly arched bottom l8.

The cylindrical wall and bottom of the compart-v 50 merit, l1 are formed of relatively heavy wire mesh which provides a multiplicity of apertures through which the treating fluid may flow during the operation of the machine.. In this instance, the upper portion of the basket". con- 56 ta'iner l3. Con

' passage 23.

" the legs of the U end withthe outermost leg resting on theannular shoulder l5 of the con- "r "and basket 11 are concentrically dis and proportioned so that the respective walls thereof are disposed in spaced relationship as shown, to provide an annular space 23 therebetween, and with the respective bottoms l4 and ll of these members spaced to provide a compartment 2| therebetween, containing treating fluid. The annular space 25 together with compartment 2| constitute the piston chamber of the machine.

The circulating means disclosed comprises a piston consisting of an arched disc 30, an arched annular plate 22 and an upstanding or upwardly extending cylindrical skirt 23 which is secured to the outer peripheral portion of the plate 22. The plate 22 is proportioned so that the inner cylindrical surface of the skirt 23 is spaced somewhat from the outer cylindrical portion of the side wall of the basket ll as shown, to provide what may conveniently be termed an annular vacuum relief space 24. The piston is thus so shaped as to form a pocket or compartment entirely surrounding basket 11. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the upper portion of the skirt 23 of the piston is provided with a flange having a laterallyoutwardly extending portion 25, and a downwardly extending portion 25 the outer cylindrical surface of which has a diameter forming a smooth running flt with the inner cylindrical surface of the container l3. The upper, portion of the piston skirt 23 is provided with a plurality of apertures or fluid jet forming means 21. .As shown, these apertures 21 are arranged 'in two horizontal rows with the apertures in one row staggered with respect to the apertures in the other row. The apertures in the upper row are disposed in the skirt 23 preferably parallel to the plane of the lower surface of the outwardly extending flange 25 in order to provide a minimum of resistance to flow of fluid through these apertures. With this arrangement, the skirt 23 is also disposed in spaced relationship with respect to the container l3 and the annular space formed between the skirt and the wall of the container provides a fluid The plate 22 has a concentrically disposed annular opening or port 23 which is alternately opened and closed during operation of the machine by a cooperating circular disc or valve 30 connected to the plate 22 in movable relationship therewith by means of a plurality of pins 3| disposed about the port 29 which pass through corresponding openings in valve 30, the openings being proportioned so as to permit the valve to be readily moved toward and from the plate 22 to open and close the port 23.

In the forms of the invention disclosed, the fluid circulating means is operated by an electric motor through suitable operating mechanism which reciprocates the piston. However, it will be understood that any other suitable form or type of operating mechanism may be employed, if desired. The operating mechanism is disposed in the motor compartment 32 in the bottom of the casing l5 and below the container l3. Electric motor 33 drives a worm 34 which meshes with and drives a worm gear 35 which rotates a crank 36. The outer end of crank 36 is pivoted to one end of a connecting rod 31, the other end ofwhich is pivoted to a clamp 33 secured on a piston rod 33 which has its upper end connected to the center of valve 33 of the piston. Piston. rod 33 passes through bottom l4 of the container through a suitable packing 43 and is guided byspaced guides 4| on a supporting member 42.

The cover for the machine includes an annulus 43 which may be of cast metal or other suitable material and which is secured as by welding or the like to the upper end of the casing l0. Cover I2 is hinged at 44 to the annulus 43, and has a large central opening of about the diameter of the basket l1 which is closed by plate glass 45. Packing 45 prevents leakage of the treating fluid around the edges of the glass 45. The annulus 43 has an annular groove 41 in its upper surface adjacent its inner peripheryin which is disposed a sealed rubber tube 48 so proportioned that" it extends above the upper surface of the annulus 43 when the cover I2 is opened. Cover [2 has an annular downwardly extending projection 43 which cooperates with the groove 41 and tube 43- so that when cover I2 is closed there is provided a double seal at spaced concentric circles 50 and 5| between the annulus 43 and the cover. Radially outwardly from the annular recess 41, annulus 43 has an upwardly extending annular projection 52 which is received in a cooperating annular recess 53 in the cover l2 which aflords additional means to prevent the leakage of treating fluid through the cover of the machine. The cover is secured in position by a suitable clamping device, such as the toggle clamp 54 shown, which is operated by a handle 55. The cover also has a pressure release valve 56 of any suitable form to release the air in the machine when it has become expanded when hot treating fluids, such as hot water, are used.

Operating motor 33 is controlled by a manual switch 51 placed on the front of the machine. A safety switch 53 connected in series with switch 51, is also provided which prevents the operation and is moved downwardly a sufliclent extent when the cover is clamped into closed position by the toggle 54, to cause the contacts in switch 58 to be moved to closed position. Rod 53 is urged upwardly by means of a spring 60 so that switch 58 is normally open and is only closed at such times as the cover is securely clamped in closed position.

Container I3 is provided with a drain valve 5| through which the treating fluid may be drained when desired.

Casing III has a removable section 62 at the front end of the motor compartment to provide access to the operatingmechanism. In the operation of the machine, assuming that the cover is open and the basket I! has been lowered into the machine, until it is supported from its upper end by the shoulder l5, at the upper end of the container, the articles to be treated are loaded into the basket and container I3 is filled with suitable treating fluid until the articles in the basket become submerged. Cover I2 is then closedand clamped in closed position by the operation of handle 55. If the manual switch 51 has previously been closed, the clamping of the "coverin closed position/will close possible damage to the apparatus. with the present arrangement however, it will be perceived that even in suchan extreme case, the machine will continue to operate and that the predetermined amount of suction will be applied to the basket I1 and into contact with the articles contained therein in strong impinging jets. Simultaneously the downward movement of the piston creates a vacuum below the basket l1 and forcibly fabrics, excess suction being relieved by space 24 with no possibility of damage to either the fabrics or the apparatus. a

--When it is desirable to sweep the basket throughout its. entire heighth, the piston skirtmay be provided with several horizontal rows of apertures. As shown in Fig. 5, for example, the

piston skirt has two spaced horizontally disposed rows of apertures '62 and it, placed so that the draws the treating fluid in the basket downwardly Y around, through and in between the articles therein and through the bottom and lower portion of side walls of the basket into the space above the piston. During the downward movement of the piston it will be understood that since the piston is operated through valve 80, the valve will be forced into contact with the piston so that port 29 is completely closed. On the upstroke of the piston, valve 30 is first moved to its uppermost position so that port 29 is fully opened which permits the passage of fluid around the 'outer peripheral portion of valve 30 and through port 29 from the space above the piston to the space therebelow. The upward movement of the piston forces fluid upwardly through the bottom of the basket i1 and through the side walls thereof which results in relative movement and lifting of the articles in the basket. The extent to which port 29 is opened on the upstroke of the piston is proportioned so that a-suiflcient quantity of the fluid'will be forced back into the basket to provide the degree of agitation of the articles therein which is desired. With this arrangement it will be perceived that during operation of the machine a quantity of treating fluid is circulated intermittently in the same direction through the basket l1 and that during intervals of circulation a portion of this quantity of fluid is forced back into the basket. The flpid jets formed, by the apertures 21 are projected with considerable force in a substantially horizontal direction into the Haaskefl 1 and into contact with the articles therein. As the piston skirt moves downwardly, the jets also move downwardly and sweep the articles for the full length of the downward stroke of the piston. Y 1

Since the skirt 23 is spaced from the basket i1, it will be perceived that on the downstroke, a

basket through the side walls thereof into and through-the annular vacuum relief space 24 and into the space above the piston. On the upstroke this mixture of fluid and air is forced into the fabrics loosening and agitating them.

The vacuum relief space 24 is so proportioned in relation to the total surface area of the-basket that the desired amount of suction is applied to the fabrics without undue strain on the mechanism of the machine. Generally speaking, the smaller the space 24, the greater the amount of vacuum possible, within the limitations of the of the power delivered by the motor.

The vacuum relief space 24 also serves as a safety feature. -Shoulrl the basket ll be fllled with fabrics to an excess where it becomes imposs'ible to draw fluid through them at the rated '15 speed, this would result in stalling the motor with strain permissible on the driving mechanism and,

quantity of fluid and air will be drawn from the upper row 62 sweeps the upper half of the basket and the lower row sweeps the "lower half The number and relative disposition of the apertures in the piston skirt may be varied as desired, depending upon the character of articles being treated and the length of the piston stroke.

In lieu of forming the fluid forced upwardly through the annular passage 28 into a plurality of separate jets, the fluid may be forced into the basket in substantially a solid sheet if desired. To

this end,.the upper end of the piston skirt 23 may be formed as shown in Fig. 6, wherein the skirt extends straight upwardly to its upper end and a curved annular baille I5 is secured radially outwardly and above the upper end of the skirt by means of a plurality of connecting and spacing members such as the spacing rivets 65 shown. Baffle SS is spaced from the skirt so as to provide a smooth running fit with the wall of the container l3 and the upper portion of the bailie is disposed to proiect the sheet of fluid formed thereby in a substantially horizontal direction into the basket i1 and into contact with the articles therein. As the piston moves downwardly, the jet of fluid movesprogressively downwardly and sweeps the articles in I the basket for the full length of the downward stroke of the piston.

The intermittent unidirectional circulatory movement of the cleaning fluid through the hasket, together with'the return of cleaning fluid through the lower portion of the basket during intervals of circulatory movement results in thorough treatment of the articles in the basket. BY reason of the fact that the treating 'fluid is forced in one direction completely through all fabricswhich may be treated, the resulting cleaning or impregnation will be as thorough as it is possible to accomplish. This treatment is effected without any injury to the most delicate of fabrics since no moving parts of the machine come in con. tact with the fabrics and since the fabrics are adequately supported by the bottom of the basket and by each other throughout the circulatory periods during which the fluid is forced through the fabrics.

Since the basket which contains the articles to be treated is disposed in the upper part of the machine, it is readily accessible from the top f the'machine without in any way disturbing any part of the operating mechanism. After the cover has been opened the basket may be readily removed from the machine. It will be perceived that the-basket does not participate in the hydraulic action in any way whatever and that it is used solely for the support of the articles'to be at d in the machine. For this reason, the particular form of the basket is immaterial, so long as it affords adequate sup rt for the articles being treated without interference with the flow of the treating fluid.

Although the best operation is possibly obfluid to substantially the level indicated in Fig. 1

' of the drawing, nevertheless, the machine will effectually function to perform. its intended operation with volumes of treating fluid much less than this. Even where the machine is tilled to a level below the bottom of the basket, the machine will function to discharge the fluid in. powerful Jets into the basket and the fluid of these Jets will be drawn through and around the articles in the basket upon the downward movement of the piston. Part of such fluid will thereafter be forced upwardly through the bottom of the compartment upon the u stroke of the piston to agitate the articles in the compartment as has been described hereinbefore.

Inthe embodiments of the invention disclosed. two parts only constitute the complete operating structure of the machine, these parts being the walls of the fluid container l3 and the skirted piston, which parts cooperate to produce all the action within the machine. with this arrangement, the removal or replacement or the basket does not in any way alter the nature of the circulatory movement of the treating fluid or the paths of the fluid currents in the machine. The effective cross-sectional area of the piston is greater than that of the basket and is equal to the full cross-sectional area of the fluid container it. Thus greatest possible eiiiciency and fluid circulation is attained with minimum piston stroke. By reason of the fact that the skirt of the piston operates in the annular space between the basket and the fluid container, the machine is very compact.

It will be understood that the method herein disclosed for treating articles with fluid may be carried out by apparatus other than the forms of the apparatus herein disclosed. Moreover, the forms of the invention disclosed may be altered by variations in the form, location and relative disposition of the several parts without transcending the principles of the invention. Accordingly, no intention is entertained to limit the invention except by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

l. A machine for treating articles with fluid comprising a container, a stationary apertured container having its walls spaced from the container, and a piston operable in the container below the compartment, the piston having a skirt operable in the space between the side walls of the container and compartment, said skirt having a portion provided with one or more fluid outlet openings through which fluid is projected into the compartment.

2. A machine for treating articles with fluid comprising a fluid container, a stationary apertured compartment for articles to be treated in the container having its bottom and side walls spaced from the container, and a piston operable in and cooperating with the wall of the container for circulating fluid in the compartment, the piston having a portion disposed and operable in the space between the walls of the container and compartment, said portion of the -piston having one-or more fluid outlet openings through which fluid is projected into the compartment during operation of the machine. Y

3.'A machine for treating articles with fluid comprising a fluid container, a stationary apertured compartment for articles to be treated in the container having its bottom and side walls compartment for articles to be treated in the 2,171,440 tained when the machine is fllled with treating spaced from the container. and a piston operable in and\Q pe ng with the wall of the con-- tainer for circulagg fluid in the compartment, the piston having a portion disposed and operable in the space between the walls of the container and compartment, said portion of the piston having one or more fluid outlet openings through which fluid is projected into the compartment. said portion of the piston being spaced from the wall of the compartment to provide a by-pass for the fluid from the compartment around the lower portion thereof.

4. A machine for treating articles with fluid comprising a fluid container, a stationary apertured compartment for articles to be treated in the container having its bottom and side walls spaced from the container, and a piston operable in the lower portion of the container and cooperating with the wall of the container for circulating fluid in the compartment, the arrangement being such that upon movement of the piston in one direction a partial vacuum is produced below the compartment, and said portion oi. the piston which cooperates with the wall of the container being-spaced from the wall of the compartment to provide means for relieving said vacuum.

5. A machine for treating articles with fluid comprising a fluid container, an apertured compartment for articles to be treated in the container having its bottom and side walls spaced from the container, and a piston operable in and cooperating with the wall of the container for circulating fluid in the compartment, the piston having a, portion disposed and operable in the pace between the walls of the container and compartment, said portion of the piston having a baflle so disposed with respect to the piston and the container as to project a sheet of treating fluid into the compartment during operation of the machine.

6. Apparatus for treating articles with fluid comprising a container, a perforate compartment therein for articles to be treated, the walls of the container and compartment being spaced, a piston in the container having a skirt operative in the space between the container and compartment, the skirt having one or more fluid outlet openings through which fluid is projected into the compartment, and means for reciprocating the piston to cause fluid to be circulated through and projected into the compartment.

7. In a machine for treating articles with fluid, a cylindrical container for the fluid, a perforate compartment for the support of the articles to be treated mounted in an end portion of the container and in spaced relation to the walls thereof, a piston slidably mounted in another portion of the container, the piston having a skirt extending into the portion of the container occupied by the compartment and outside the walls thereof and cooperating with the container wall to provide a fluid passage, the piston skirt being provided with Jet forming means adapted to project the fluid into said receptacle through the perforate walls thereof, into contact with the articles contained therein,

8. In a machine for treating articles with fluid, a cylindrical container for the fluid, a perforate compartment for the support of the articles to be treated mounted in an end portion of the container and in spaced relation to'the walls thereof, a piston slidably mounted in another portion or the container, the piston having a skirt extending into the portion of the container occupied by the compartment and outside the walls thereof and cooperating with the container wall to provide a fluid passage, the piston skirt being provided with jet forming means adapted to project the fluid into said receptacle through the perforate walls thereof, into contact with the articles contained therein, the outer edge of said piston skirt being in contact with the walls of said container, whereby upon the motion of said piston, all the fluid displaced thereby is forced through said fluid passage and through said jet forming means.

9. A machine for treating articles with fluid comprising a cylindrical container for the fluid. a perforate compartment for the support of articles to be treated mounted in one end portion of said container and in spaced relation to the walls thereof, a piston slidably mounted in the other end portion of said container, said piston being provided with a cylindrical skirt extending into the space between the walls of said container and said receptacle, and having an outwardly extending flange in contact with the walls of said container, said skirt being provided with jet forming means between said flangeand said piston, whereby upon movement of said piston and said skirt, the fluid is projectedthrough said jet forming means into 'said compartment through the perforate walls thereof.

10. A machine for treating articles with fluid comprising a cylindrical container for the fluid, a perforate article compartment mounted within said container in spaced relation to the bottom and side walls thereof and rigidly supported in its position, a slidable piston having a circular portion operable in the space between the bottoms of said container and of said compartment, a cylin- 'drical portion operable in the space between the side walls of said container and of said compartment, an outwardly extending flange at the upper edge of said cylindrical portion and in contact with the side walls of said container, jet forming means in said cylindrical portion and below said flange, whereby upon the downward motion of the piston all of the fluid displaced thereby is forced through said jet forming means into said compartment in its upper portion, and simultaneously suction is produced by the circular portion of said cylinder, withdrawing fluid through the bottom and side walls of said compartment in its lower portion.

11. A machine for treating articles with fluid cylindrical portion operable in the space between the side walls of said container and of said compartment, an outwardly extending flange at the upper edge of said cylindrical portion and in contact with the side walls of said container, Jet forming means in said cylindrical portion and below said flange, whereby upon the downward motion of the piston all of the fluid displaced thereby is forced through said jet forming means into said compartment in its upper portion, and simultaneously suction is produced by the circular portion of said cylinder, withdrawing fluid through the bottom and side walls of said compartment in vided an annular space between the side walls of said compartment and said cylindrical portion to provide a by-pass for fluid and air, to limit said suction and thereby to prevent damage to the apparatus and the articles through overloading.

12. A machine according to claim 9 wherein the jet forming means are constituted by a circular slotbetween the edge of said skirt and said outwardly extending flange, said flange being mounted on said skirt in spaced relation thereto and being curved to form a baflle to direct a sheet of fluid through said slot into said receptacle.

GEORGE KUHN.

its lower portion, there being pro- 

